Making Money Tips

"Thank you."

Those two little words (or "thanks" if you want to be quick about it) can mean a lot. Or, depending on how you wield them, they can mean almost nothing. Just like "How are you?" or "I love you," "Thank you" is a phrase that can hold great weight or have all the heft and permanence of a morning fog.

I've been thinking recently about how I say thank you. Like many people, I was taught growing up that when someone gave me a birthday or Christmas gift, I had to send that person a thank-you note. Writing those notes a child, I don't remember thinking much about how I was actually thankful for the gifts; rather, I considered the process of writing thank-you notes akin to brushing your hair. It wasn't something I wanted to do, but it was one of those things that people just did. 

Recently, though, I have both received some thanks that really touched me and wanted to show my appreciation to people in a way that resonated, which led me to compiling the list below. With every single one of these ideas, I would say there are two important things to always keep in mind: Be sincere and show that you care, just as someone recently cared for you. (See also: You're Doing It Wrong, Moron: 5 Tips for Giving Better Compliments)

1. Write a Note

For all of my grumbling about writing thank-you notes as a child, I believe that a considered, personal thank-you note is almost always a great way to show gratitude — especially if it's written on real, made-from-wood-pulp paper. Saying thanks over email or in an e-card is increasingly prevalent because it's easy. But the effort it takes to make or buy a card, or even just write on a piece of lined paper, shows that you really care.

2. Give Food

Sweet or savory, homemade or store-bought, food is always a good way to say thanks. Whether you're making dinner or buying cookies, do what you can to find out what the person you're thanking likes. While the gesture is still, erhm, "sweet," your thank you will be a little awkward if you make peanut-butter cookies for someone with a peanut allergy.

3. Clean Something

A room, a car, a house, a dog — the gift of your time and elbow grease is a great way to show your appreciation.

4. Return Items in Better Condition Than When You Borrowed Them

If someone lent you something, show how much you appreciate it by taking better-than-good care of it. Similarly, if you were given something in borrowed Tupperware, return it with food in it (and I'm not talking about old leftovers).

5. Say It as a Surprise

One of the sweetest thanks I ever heard of was from an old college classmate. While we were working in the photo lab one day, she reached in her pocket and pulled out a note her boyfriend had put there for her to find.

6. Say It in Public

Everyone likes to be recognized (well, most of the time — please don't surround me in a circle of clapping waitstaff if I am celebrating my birthday at your restaurant). Whether at work, on your blog, or in front of a group of friends or family, share why you're thankful for the person or people.

7. Return the Favor

Performing favors shouldn't be an eye-for-an-eye situation, but if someone gave you a ride, watched your kids, or helped you out in another way, do the same or look for another favor you could do.

8. Give a Little Gift Card

Give an unexpected gift card of $5 or $10 to a coffee shop or bookstore. Just don't purchase a little gift card to something like an expensive restaurant. That's like saying, "Thanks, now go spend a lot of your own money to use this gift." Kind of weird.

9. Pick Up the Bill

If you're out for coffee or a meal, pay the tab.

10. Say It on the Phone

Hearing someone's voice can be powerful. Call before you email.

11. Do It Face-to-Face

Even better than on the phone, say thank you face-to-face. Showing that you're making an effort is touching.

12. Donate to a Charity

Instead of spending money directly on the person you'd like to thank, donate that money to the person's favorite charity in his or her name.

13. Be Happy

Did someone do something that made you happy? Say it, and show it. There are plenty of other times to whine and worry. Remember to be grateful and enjoy what you were given, and the person will be happy that he was able to brighten your day.

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some great articles on personal finance tips for recent college grads, haggling like a pro to get what you want, and tips to build your savings account.

Top 5

7 Most Important Personal Finance Tips for Recent College Grads — If you are a recent grad, don't forget to start building an emergency fund. [Money Crashers]

Haggle Like a Pro to Get What You Want — To haggle successfully, consider talking to someone higher up. [Savvy Sugar]

5 Tips to Build Your Savings Account — Build your savings account by setting up an auto transfer. [Not Made of Money]

Handling Your Finances - How to Create Wealth — Create wealth by cutting expenses in your budget. [Green Panda Treehouse]

7 Steps to Raise Your Credit Score — Raise your credit score by automizing paying your bills. [Moola Days]

Other Essential Reading

Dinners Your Kindergarten Cook Can Help Prepare — Get your kindergartener involved with dinner by making pizza! [Parenting Squad]

Health Insurance and Downgrading Your Job — If you are thinking about downgrading your job, be sure to plan ahead for your health care needs. [The Simple Dollar]

Ways to Use up Eggs — Do you have eggs in your fridge that are going to go bad soon? Separate the egg yolks and whites and freeze them to use in baking recipes later. [Ultimate Money Blog]

Keep Glass from Fogging Up with Shaving Cream — To get rid of fog on glass, use shaving cream to clean it off! [Lifehacker]

4 Reasons to Avoid Payday Loans — Stay away from payday loans. They could negatively affect your credit score. [Financial Highway]

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